Ontario's Natural Edge: Sustainable Tourism & Economic Development in the Niagara Escarpment. The Niagara Escarpment Commission's Leading Edge Conference series took place May 26th and 27th at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.Conference proceedings will be published at www.escarpment.org in the summer of 2011.

An iconic destination recognized worldwide as a protected area and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Niagara Escarpment attracts millions of visitors annually to explore and enjoy its spectacular waterfalls, vineyards, ancient cliffs and extensive walking trails.

Leading Edge 2011 explored the themes of tourism and economic development in the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve. With engaging speakers exploring a range of initiatives ranging from culinary and wine destinations to cultural and heritage attractions, the conference focused on the ways businesses, educators and tourism operators are striving to provide sustainable practices and attractions in the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.

This installment of the Leading Edge Conference series was the ninth event since 1994. Previous Leading Edge conferences have explored land use planning, ecological monitoring, biosphere research and natural heritage features.

The Niagara Escarpment Commission was pleased to present Leading Edge 2011 in partnership with Brock University's Department of Tourism and the Environment.